Neck Pain
Neck pain physical therapy starts with understanding why the pain is there. The neck is the most mobile part of the spine, and pain can come from changes to the spine itself, muscle weakness and tension, or compression of the network of nerves that travel from the neck down into the arm. At our River North Chicago clinic, your therapist will work one on one with you to find the root cause of your neck pain and implement evidence based interventions to improve your symptoms and movement.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the neck is forced rapidly forward and backward, most often in a car accident or a fall. The rapid movement strains the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes dizziness. Early movement and guided exercise lead to better outcomes than rest, and your therapist will progress you at a pace that respects your symptoms while restoring normal motion.
Postural Neck Pain and Muscle Strain
Long hours at a desk, on a laptop, or looking down at a phone place sustained load on the muscles of the neck and upper back. Over time this leads to aching, tightness at the base of the neck, and pain that worsens as the day goes on. Treatment addresses both the strength and endurance of the deep neck and shoulder blade muscles and the setup of your workstation, so relief lasts beyond the treatment room.
Arthritis (Spondylosis)
Arthritic changes lead to degradation of the joints and discs in the neck and can cause stiffness, limited range of motion, and pain with movement. Cervical spondylosis is a normal part of aging and does not mean your neck pain is permanent. Our team will implement individualized mobility activities and strengthening to decrease pain and improve ease with daily movements.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy, often called a pinched nerve in the neck, indicates compression of one of the nerves in the neck and feels like numbness or tingling into the shoulder, arm, forearm, or hand. Several structures have the potential to pinch or compress the nerve, and your treatment will involve identifying the source, reducing irritation of the nerve, and working on strategies for long term management so your symptoms are less likely to return.
Disc Bulge/Herniation
A disc sits between each vertebra in the neck, acting as padding for shock absorption and support. Abnormal forces at the neck can cause part of the disc material to shift out of its normal alignment, leading to pain and nerve irritation. These injuries typically respond very well to physical therapy interventions, including exercise.
Cervical Stenosis
Stenosis refers to narrowing of the spaces in the spine where the spinal cord and nerve roots travel. Narrowing in the neck can cause pain, weakness, or changes in coordination and balance. Physical therapy focuses on positions and movements that reduce pressure on the nerves, along with strengthening to support the neck and improve function in daily activities.
Headaches
Pain and changes in structures of the neck can present as headaches at the base of skull or up the sides of your head and face. Stiffness in the neck, muscle tightness, and pinched nerves can all be a source of headaches. Treatment will involve targeted exercises to improve neck mobility and decrease tension for long term relief.
Ready to Book your Neck Pain Physical Therapy Evaluation?
Neck pain is common, but it is not something you have to live with.
Work one on one with a physical therapist who takes the time to find the root cause of your symptoms, whether it is stiffness, headaches, or numbness and tingling into your arm. Every session is a full hour of dedicated care, and under Illinois direct access you do not need a referral to get started.
Book your neck pain physical therapy evaluation at our River North clinic today.